Disclaimer: Vampire Knight is not mine. This story was made for fun. I don't own the characters and no money is being made with this story.
And this is where I turned this ridiculous (no surprises there). I hope you can forgive me for incorporating some Black Bird elements here like the Senka(-ish) theme. Also, the carrier-thing-like has been my object of interest when I thought I'll make this mpreg, so it's sort of like that. Anyway, since I can't write this with any ounce of imagination, I made the introduction/explanation in one bulk like one big beating. XDXDXD
I would like to thank all who favorited, followed and reviewed this story. It means a lot to me. （‐＾▽＾‐）While you might wish to squeeze my brain for any bit of creativity after reading this chapter (I confess I have none so it'll be futile), I wish that you'll be lenient with me. I'll gladly accept your howlers instead. (￣▽￣)ノ
Again, I hope you can overlook the mistakes in grammar and usage as English is not my first language.
Also, I wish to warn everyone that the pace of the story is a bit slow...
Well then, here we go~!
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Chapter Two
The Chaos Ensued
Zero is aware that he's an accomplished hunter. He passed rigorous training and never once flinched in any of his missions. Very sure of himself and what to do in every situation, especially those concerning the creatures he was trained to kill. But nothing could have prepared him for the scene he's in right now. He's fucking sure that no one taught him what to do in case a young little vampire-something girl tackled him and sobbed unrestrainedly against the crook of his neck after calling him 'Otou-sama'.
He tried to look at her from his position, her soft silver head caressing his left jaw; he just have enough wit to note that they're like starlight, like his. He knows that his eyes are still as big as golf balls but he can't close or relax them if his life depended on it. He's never been this shock in his life before, except, perhaps, on that dreadful night several years ago but he can't bring himself to think about that now. He's got a fucking urgent matter at hand.
He looked across him at the other two dark haired creatures from the long distance that separated them, seeing them equally stunned and also frozen in place. One of the male brunettes had his hand at the back of the other who looks like a dummy sign for running as he looks petrified in a pose of a sprinter.
He vaguely registered the arrival of the Chairman, Yuuki and Ichiru. Of course, with an aura that immense, the Headmaster would surely spring into action to make sure it's not anything threatening for his darling students. They arrived at the same time that the loud bellow of the night class abated to give room for the tragic sobs of the young creature holding him captive.
"N-n-nii-san?" his younger brother panted as he rested his hands on both knees trying to catch his breath, evidently tired out from a mad dash. Yuuki was doing the same thing beside him, unable to utter a word as she trained her eyes on him unseeingly from fatigue.
Even his guardian was wheezing a bit as he walked towards him, his long ash-blond hair rustling behind him while some of the escaped strands clung to his face from the little beads of sweat that appeared on his neck and forehead, his young face reflecting his agitation and concern while moving his gaze back and forth from him, his jailer, and the two dark haired children from afar, surprise and confusion finally settling in.
Hazel eyes caught him. "Z-zero-kun, what happened here?"
I have no idea. "….."
"Who's the child? I mean, children?"
Hell if I know."…I….."
"Son? Are you alright?"
I'm asking that myself. And I'm not your son.
Ichiru heaved himself and strained upwards placing his hands on his hips, trying to gulped down more air to calm his racing heart before he went to stand beside the chairman, considerably feeling better and took a look at his nii-san who's acting like a mute and shocked out of his existence as he stared at them with his mouth parting slightly like a goldfish. It would have been extremely funny had it not been for the warning his hunter sense, though depleted, are giving him at the colossal presence that suddenly appeared. He went nearer his older brother as concern started to outgrow the initial surprise at seeing children on school grounds.
"Nii-san? Who's that? Did you make her cry? What the hell happened here? Nii-san!" Ichiru almost shouted as he tries to jolt his brother out of his flabbergasted state.
It was at that moment that the little girl looked up from her hiding place against Zero's neck and peered at him with pitiful tearstained eyes and a frail flush across her cheeks, sniffing daintily. He drew a sharp breath as he beheld his brother's face translated to a feminine beauty with child-like anatomy, but it's unmistakable where it hailed from. He was transfixed. He can even feel the Chairman gaping beside him. Whoa.
Yuuki, after an endless moment of panting, finally had the energy to straighten herself and went to look carefully at the quiet chaos in front of her. Whew, I thought that'll be the end of me.
There's no real panic in her regarding the situation since she did not hear nor see her trigger-happy best friend going ballistic and shooting incessant rounds off Bloody Rose and that is to take that everything's under control despite the heavy feel of the air that she perceives even though she's human. She looked on without really seeing before she comprehended the sight in front of her. She flushed as she stuttered, her fast heart beat coming back with a vengeance, "Z-z-zero, you're a-a f-father?" she chocked.
The Chairman couldn't find his voice, unable to make anything out of the situation and was still a bit wary at the gigantic auras that he now sees came from the three children that he cannot determine whether vampire or hunter (their auras now hidden and, therefore, finally stopped wreaking havoc on his nerves). Just what is happening here? The headmaster can feel an oncoming headache as questions after questions lay unanswered around them, smothering them.
"N-n-n-n-nii-san, i-i-i-is she y-yours?" Ichiru also stammered, coloring as he thought of his older brother in such a grown-up situation. Nii-san beat me to it!
That jolted Zero out of his stupor. He glared at the three newcomers and growled, "Shut up, Yuuki, Ichiru! What the hell are you two even saying?! Can't you tell that she's too old to be—she's not mine–," Zero stopped dead when he turned his scowl at the little clinging vine who still has her silk-covered arms snaked around his neck to give her a light scolding and he saw his face in a girly form – you can't even mistake it for Ichiru's but his.
'Otou-sama!'
It's absurd. There's just no freaking way, but here it is looking at him with familiar red rimmed sienna eyes. He feels himself going back into shock or perhaps, this time he's going to hyperventilate.
"B-b-b-but nii-san…."
"Ah, forgive us uncle, it's our fault, though I would never have thought that Hime would act the way she did, therefore reacting to prevent it was beyond me."
Ichiru yelped as two brunettes materialized beside him out of the blue. He was stunned as he was met with a pair of solemn burgundy eyes from the young face of the Night Class President…wait, what?! Ichiru immediately threw a hasty glance at the pureblood king from where he last seen him standing with a carefully contrived mask and then back to the young face beside him as if to make sure that he just did not see the vampire king shrink to a form of a six year old. Perhaps he's getting dizzy from the insane marathon from earlier because not only is he seeing a shrunk version of the pureblood, he's also seeing double. And is that a smirk he's seeing on chibi-Kaname no. 2? He numbly shook his head to clear his head then stared again. He probably needs his glasses back.
"Oh, my. What the-?" the Chairman's hushed voice revealed that he also remarked the similarity beside him with Yuuki paralyzed on the other side.
Kaname made a step forwards, his mask slipping a bit as he can't help but look a little venomously at the hunter still currently slumped on the ground almost indiscernible amongst all the silk skirt and moonlit silver ringlets. He was unexplainably irritated at the scene he's seeing before him. After the initial surprise, he felt his blood boil at the thought of the silver hunter with the possible mother of this child. Otou-sama? He needs to know more or he fears he'll explode from overwhelming ire.
When he stepped forward, the two dark haired boys who flitted near in a millisecond from the great distance earlier turned to him properly for the first time and unbelievably, for the fourth time that night, he was stunned senseless. He's looking at his young self, the visage that he took on when he got to the Kuran household is currently looking at him from two familiar faces. The gasps from behind him informed him that the Night Class was also seeing the impossibility before him. He can hear Aidou chocking not far from him.
"K-kaname-sama." Some of them whispered behind him in apprehension.
The first young brunette who spoke lowered himself to the young silverette still tangled with the hunter and they can hear his gentle reproach in a whisper as he put his hands on the other's shoulders trying to pry her away from the teenage silverette.
"Hime, let go of Otou-sama now. You are very much aware that it's not helping with the situation, right? First wait until we have explained. Hime?"
When Kaname heard the previously hated word come out of his little copy's lips, his mind began to race and it was not lost on him what the equation all entails. A small part of him began to breathe in relief as he finally sees some sliver of answer in the big riddle presented to him. He subconsciously tried to ignore a bigger part of him which seems to rejoice at the possible answer he can see on the horizon.
His supposition was confirmed when the other brunette who looks to be fighting a smirk and completely failing to do so, made his way towards Kaname and addressed him in a fairly earnest manner, mirth dancing in his wine-red eyes. He spoke in a way that betrayed the educated upbringing that he must have been under, never mind the little rouge looking at him from those burgundy orbs.
"You seem to be distressed. I hope you'll forgive us for the sudden visit. Oh, and you don't have to be worried about Hime, she'll come to in time and I'll be very happy to tease her then," his would-be-solemn voice faltered as he obviously fought a chuckle, "But for now, I offer my greetings," he bowed formally "Chi—("Hiro! Don't!")-chihue."
Dead silence.
Hiro counted one to three in his mind as he anticipated the next reaction. They didn't fail him.
"WWHHHAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTT!" was the earsplitting scream that could almost be heard all-over Cross Academy.
Hehe.
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Satoshi palmed half his face with his right hand as he now half-heartedly tried to shake Hime away from their father. God, he's tired. He sighed.
Perhaps the heavens finally pitied him as he felt his twin sister finally move and detach herself from the Hunter who's looking at him incredulously.
"Oh, dear, what did I do." She sniffed as she whispered her remorse and she glanced at him apologetically.
He just mildly shook his head. He understood it completely. He actually should have expected it seeing that it feels like an eternity since they all saw their Otou-sama healthy and full of life, well, there's no evidence of that at the moment as the silverette continued to be shell-shocked. But he shares that enthusiasm to be near that warmth, that life and to feel it close for re-assurance.
He sighed again and gave her a pat in the head. Their little princess rarely blundered so he'll forgive her but not his naughty twin brother who aspires to be the catalyst in ending the world. He turned to glare at the fiendish creature who shares the same face as him before glancing back to his silver-haired sister and gracing her with a small smile before adding, "It's alright, Hime. Let's just clear out this mess. Help Otou-sama to his feet, and be careful not to make him hyperventilate anymore while I go kill Hiro."
She smiled weakly at him before directing her attention to the silver haired hunter who slowly stirred back to life.
All the while the chaos that his twin brother successfully created grew to a storm in the form of loud exclamations from the Night Class, the Chairman, his Uncle Ichiru and Aunt Yuuki who all did not miss the connotation of his last world.
"Kaname-sama?!"
"What did he say?"
"Kaname-kun?! Is that true?"
"S-senpai?"
"Kuran-sama?!"
"What the hell was that?!"
"That can't be true!"
"Eh?! Kaname, when did this happen?"
"Hmm? What happened?"
"No! That can't be!"
"What do you think you're saying, you brat?!" one Ruka Souen venomously snarled amongst all the noise and faltered when those red brown eyes turned to her and gave her a big toothy smile that she swear would never grace the lips of her beloved pureblood. The young version of their King completely shed the air of careless sophistication from earlier and brought his hands up at the back of his dark head.
"Hiya, Auntie Ruka! You're looking really cute and young, well, young-er, no wonder Rie-chan looks promising despite being an amazon." He chortled, "Perhaps, you could work on that." He grinned.
The honey haired female vampire blushed despite herself as she looked at the younger version of the face that she loved all her life smiling at her, though she can't understand what he's saying at all.
"Do you know what you're saying, kid?! How dare you address Kaname-sama that way!" tremulously snapped the blond vampire beside her. Hanabusa Aidou won't easily back down despite the devastating aura he knows is inside the child in front of him (now carefully concealed) as long as it's something to do with his esteemed vampire king. The conclusion that is fast forming in his genius mind as he watched the previous scenes did not sit in well with him; it implied an association that he wouldn't want for is beloved Kaname-sama.
"Of course, Hana-jichan! And surely, you do as well since you can't deny where I got my sinfully good looks, am I right?" he replied playfully with a wink before laughing and turning to his Chichiue. "Yes, as I was saying Chichiue, we have a lot to say to you, you know, but can we please go back to the dorms? It was already morning when we left and was awake the whole night and it was really way pass our bedtime and we could do with a bath, some sleep and some hot cho-mpf."
He did not get to the bottom of his requests as his older twin came from behind him and covered his mouth, his cold presence promising slow murder. Sato gave him a slight smack on the head before arranging both of them to a straight position before bowing elegantly and politely to their father, his hand that was previously covering the young troublemaker's mouth now placed at the back of his head instead, taking the younger brunette with him in the courtesy. He flashed a little of his aura in a command for silence that everyone instinctively obeyed impressing Kaname. When the two straightened once more, two pairs of burgundy eyes focused on Kaname, one serious, begging for understanding while the other amused, feigning innocence.
"Forgive us, Chichiue. I understand this motor-mouth brother of mine has caused you some confusion. We would be more than glad to answer them for you." The seemingly eldest of the two began in a careful and cultured tone. "But if I could echo some of his more sensible requests, I am hoping that we could do this in comfort."
"On the contrary, he was able to confirm certain answers though giving way for more questions in return. But certainly, I see that there's more to be heard, so by all means," Kaname silently replied equally polite and careful, looking at the young figures in front of him before gesturing his hand in the way of the Moon Dorms as a form of invitation.
There is still a lot to know to complete the picture that is beginning to form in his mind and Kaname is almost impatient to get the missing pieces of the puzzle. He feels that something is about to change his life from one of strict structures and boring tones to one that is teeming with life and vibrant colors. He can't help the anticipation slowly budding inside of him. He quickly glanced at the hunter who's being coaxed by the young female silverette together with his twin to standing up. He can see a scowl coming alive in his handsome features.
"But Kaname-sama!"
"Silence, Aidou. I know that you're curious as well. Have the Chairman and Yuuki escorted to the Moon Dorms. Seiren make sure that the Kiryuus will follow as well."
"Hai, Kaname-sama." The violet-haired woman immediately replied appearing out of nowhere while Aidou swallowed his remaining protests in response to his King's command. Akatsuki Kain patted his shoulder in comfort, his face a bit strained from the tension and worried what his two cousins might do that will land them all three into punishment, his eyes also going to the honey haired female vampire who's still suspiciously spying at their intruders.
"Oh, so she really has been doing that since forever." They heard the younger twin brunette's giggled whisper to the other in remark for Seiren's sudden appearance.
"Silence you. You are in trouble later, you know," whispered the other back while again lightly smacking his hand on his twin's forehead, before thoughtfully adding "But, at least that's one curiosity satisfied."
The other pouted at him while massaging his abused forehead "Even Chichiue said that I helped clarified things, you know that I helped you speed things up. So now they know, they're shocked and you're now free to explain." He finished by puffing up his cheeks and turning his head in the air slightly.
"Yes, yes, remind me that later if we get out of this unscathed." pocking his brother's air-filled cheek. "Though, I can't remember you saying anything particularly enlightening." He added in a murmur.
Sato's well aware of his brother's intentions and that he knows what he's doing. After all, Hiro is no fool, just really plain mischievous. But he sometimes worries at the drastic actions his twin enjoys taking since most of the time he's left in cleaning up after him. But he smiled as he perceives the accomplishment this time. Since the initial shock has passed, they'll be able to fully relate their story. Hopefully, that would be the case at least. Sometimes he doubts that the surprise already presented is but the tip of the ice-berg and there might be more exclamations than what was already heard. But the night is finally giving him a better prospect and they might be able to sleep sooner than they expected.
"This way, please," cut Kaname lightly after he listened to what passed between the two, slightly amused at how they interact with one another especially as it's like looking at himself. He started leading everyone back to the Moon dorms. Seems like something is about to start.
"Hai, Chichiue!"
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The band led by Kaname made a smooth path towards the woods into the Moon Dorms, with the rest of the Night Class trailing behind their visitors with the Chairman and the three prefects. Once inside, everyone quietly poured into the spacious common room. Kaname occupied the big armchair near the fireplace, Aidou, Kain and Ruka sat on the long sofa beside it with Rima towing an almost sleep walking Shiki. Ichijou perched on the arm of the sofa nearest Kaname. Seiren opted to stand at the back of Kaname's chair after she made sure that her wards were inside the room. The chairman sat on the opposite armchair across the room from his vampire students with Yuuki imitating Ichijou's place and settling on the arm of the chair her adoptive father chose. The Kiryuu twins stood behind them with Ichiru reclining on the back of the seat, leaning on his elbows and Zero standing near the windows, resting his back against the wall.
They watched the children unload their burdens near the Chairman's feet. Several boxes and bags of odds and ends landed in a neat heap on the carpeted floor.
They were again amazed when, before they went, Kaname, espying that his guests brought with them such big cargos offered to have it moved for them. The two dark haired males looked at each other before going back to him and both politely declining the offer, the quiet one claiming that they don't want to inconvenience him further while the louder one announced that they can handle it just fine. And several gasped when the packages began easing themselves off the ground by sheer mind force of the two boys without so much as a glance at it or a sign of the effort, making the trip one of hushed whispers regarding what kind of creatures their visitors are.
Once everyone was settled and the three children favored to sit on the silk cushioned seats some distance away in front of the open fireplace giving them a clear view of their audience, many again exclaiming upon closely examining the little girl's resemblance with the scowling silver haired prefect in the room.
The eldest of the trio stood up again and looked behind him to signal his siblings that he'll start the narration already, both nodded at him encouragingly with Hiro grinning widely from his slumped position in the silky cushions.
The atmosphere became tensed and silent as everyone waited for the account that could possibly give an explanation for the towering questions they have inside. A rich, and velvet voice filled with underdeveloped boyishness and cultivated timbre spread across the room as the young look-alike of the Moon Dorm's President spoke in a reticently confident and serious manner.
"I do apologize for the confusion that we caused upon this abrupt arrival. I suppose an introduction is in order. I am Satoshi Kuran, the eldest of the triplets, future children of Chi-, ah, Kaname and Zero Kuran. It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance." He bowed slightly and stopped as he took in the inevitable reply to this direct remark.
The announcement was met with an explosion of protests and unbelieving remark from all-over the room which was silenced with little difficulty by the somewhat reproachful aura of the little female silverette, appealing for calm. Her little index finger pointing upwards pressing gently against her soft, slightly pursed lips in a more visible hint of her request. The aura receded as the room was brought to a semblance of peace, the only sound remaining was that of a strangled sound from the mentioned silver haired hunter as he faintly and distractedly struggled against Ichiru making the young trio look worryingly in his direction.
The little girl stood up to go to him but was stopped by the seated young brunette while shaking his head. Let him take it all in first. We know that he might react this way', was the clear reminder in his unusually stern eyes. They're not at all ignorant at how their parents started their acquaintance; Taku-jichan likes to talk about it humorously. It didn't exactly begin in friendly terms. Obviously, they went back a bit too early in time, if at all basing it on the black day class uniform their Otou-sama is currently donning.
She relented. If even Hiro-nii is against the idea then there's no way she won't heed the warning, but she continued to stand even as her brother released her hand.
Young Satoshi Kuran cleared his throat before continuing, "Ah, yes, and the ones behind me are my twin brother and twin sister. The one who, unfortunately, shares my appearance is the second son, Hiroshi Kuran." Hiro chuckled at his brother's rather ungracious introduction as he scrambled to his feet and gave a respectful bow and a huge smile towards Zero and then Kaname and waived at his uncles and aunts, giving a little salute and winks to some before plopping back down his seat.
His twin gave him a look before continuing, "And the youngest of us three is," he motioned to their princess who, he knew, would like to introduce herself.
She smiled gratefully at her twin before going over to stand beside him to say her name.
"Mizuki Kuran desu, but they call me Hime. Please feel free to call me however makes you more comfortable." The mellow feminine voice reached every corner of the hushed room in soothing waves as she proceeded to stand before the chairman to look over at a petrified Zero and, seizing a fistful of the silky fabric of her full skirt and holding them up a little while bending her upper body in a very graceful curtsy, said ardently, "My greetings Otou-sama, I am sorry for the want of manners from my end earlier. I am sure I caused you no uncertain degree of alarm," she straightened and fixed warm and somber auburn eyes on him before adding demurely, "Believe me, it has been most unconsciously done. I am just extremely pleased to see you. But I'll most certainly reflect on my own lack of foresight. And to my grandpa Kaien, Ichi-jichan, and Yuuki-bachan, my heartiest salutations, I hope I reached you all in perfect health."
Ichiru whistled in appreciation. "Wow, nii-san. She's well mannered. You sure she came from you?"
"Shut up, Ichiru." Snarled Zero between his teeth, quite unable to fully look at the enchanting young lady studying him.
"She is a sweetheart." The chairman agreed with both his hands coming up to touch both his cheeks in an enthusiastically dreamy manner that hints extreme doting later on.
The little angel smiled at both men for their compliments and sent a mesmerizing one to her silver haired parent despite his slight evasion before going over to the pureblooded vampire king.
Down from the cushions, Hiro sent a knowing smile to his brother. She's working in the charms.
There was an answering, albeit small, smile that came his way. Of course, she would want to make up for her earlier behavior.
Hiro chortled.
Kaname was also fascinated at the elegant form of the young lady approaching him. Her face a perfect imitation of the grumpy hunter's except for her eyes – his eyes. He felt a peaceful kind of joy wash over him warmly at this hint of fusion between him and the ex-human; he didn't stop to ask himself why.
Mizuki also made a fluid curtsy for him before, "Hello, Chichiue. I trust that you're in good health in this particular time frame? I am also extremely glad to see you as handsome as ever and seemingly happy." There's an impression of complex sadness in her voice that momentarily perplexed Kaname but when she gave him a captivatingly sweet smile that even made Ichijou near him coo in response, he decided to forget about it for now and just look into it later.
When the silver darling got back to her seat, Satoshi again drew himself up with a martyred expression that says he's ready for business. He began with, "Yes please, I'm, I mean, we (sending a meaningful glance to his brother. You. Will. Help. Me.) are ready for your quest— "
He was immediately drowned by ceaseless queries.
"What are you?"
"How did you come to be?"
"Are you really Kaname-sama's children?"
"Who's your mother?"
"Where did you come from?"
"Why are you here?"
"How did you come to be?"
"Children, please! One at a time! You'll confuse the poor dear." the chairman gently scolded, as eager as the rest to know it all but has more patience.
"Satoshi-kun, right? S-so you're Kaname-kun and Z-zero-kun's children, you said, r-right? Can you tell me, please, how's that possible? They're both male…" the Chairman tried again kindly, though faltering as he still can't comprehend what he just heard despite the glaring evidence in front of him.
"Who bore you?" impatiently interjected Ichiru. He's just dying to know.
The three children looked at each other while the rest of the room waited in suspense silence as the indirect question begs for an answer. Just who did who?
When three pairs of sienna eyes slowly found their way to the silver haired hunter, Zero wished that the earth would swallow him whole right that second as he blushed bright red and knows that everyone in the room can see it, having their eyes trained on him as well.
"What the fuck?" the grumpy prefect whispered breathlessly and exasperatedly in shock.
"Hell, nii-san, how did you pull that off? Putting the bun in the oven." his twin beside him muttered under his breath.
"Shut up, Ichiru." You indelicate moron. Zero groaned in a whispered reply. Just kill me now.
"H-how is that possible? Do you mean he carried you to full terms?" the Chairman asked further, stunned, and when the little heads bobbed in affirmation he added "Impossible!"
"Biologically, yes, normally it is impossible. But Otou-sama…and Ichi-jichan for that matter, are brides so, it is." Hiro supplied sagely, with his eyes closed and nodding as if in sympathetic understanding, not seeing how absurd his little statement was for his audience.
Silence…and then, "WWHHHAAAATTTTTT?!"
This was spoken so loudly by everyone (except for the Pureblood and the two aforementioned hunters who stood in stupefied disbelief: Did this kid just associated a ludicrous term with them?) that even the children jumped a little in alarm.
"Silence." Kaname called out quietly with a hint of warning that everyone heed or tried to (the little princess, in her surprise, forgot to do her little trick from earlier to ask for calm) "Hiroshi-kun right? ("Just call me Hiro, Chichiue~!") Hiro, you mentioned 'bride', are you pertaining to vampire brides? And you're saying that Kiryuu-kun is one?"
"Yep! And Ichi-jichan, too, of course!"
"Is it still not known in this time frame?" Sato asked in a small voice. Dear God, what if we created more mess than we can fix?The young heir worried greatly that their interference in the natural flow of things will cause some distortion to the future.
"What the fuck?! What do you mean 'brides', god damn it! Don't expect that all your bullshit is known to us so fucking explain!" Zero shouted angrily, finally finding his voice and directed it and his glare at the damnable pureblood who suddenly got quite the astonished look on his face.
A lot of the room's occupant glared at him at this show of disrespect towards their King. One Akatsuki Kain had to hold on to two troublesome cousins who seemed ready to pounce on the rude hunter even as they wrestle with their own surprise.
"How dare you speak to Kaname-sama that way." snarled Ruka.
But Zero couldn't care less. He was a bundle of agitation and incredulity. His twin was still shell-shock beside him. He barely noticed the little struggle some ways away from him where a certain silver-haired girl and a young brunette boy was being held back from going over to him by another young brunette holding on to the back of their clothes ("This is terribly ungracious of you, Sato-nii!").
"Zero." Yuuki squeaked, speaking for the first time, total confusion in her face, she wants to calm her near-to-exploding best friend but she can't calm her own heart let alone others.
"Son, there are children in the room." His adoptive father sternly reminded. He then added perceptively, finally making sense of things but was even more amazed at the answers he got, "To explain, vampire brides came from humans turned vampires who are said to be actually impeccable for vampiric life. Everything about them is made to compliment and even enhance this way of living. That's, err, that's why they're called 'brides', because they're the perfect vampire mate, and it is said that their offspring is even more than what it would normally be."
"But they're very rare." Interjected Ichijou Takuma thoughtfully, also quietly surprised, "They're almost a myth. Even more so, male brides." He glanced at Zero and slightly colored at how weird that sounded when connected to the silverette, "Err, some vampires even go on a hunt for them, since male brides are considered exceptional even amongst their kind."
"That doesn't fucking answer the question how—" Zero irritably demanded but was cut off by the annoying pureblood.
"A mutation in the natural mechanism of male brides caused by their blood following a natural and foremost instinct to produce the greatest heirs of power and life makes reproduction possible. It transcends even biological limitations." Kaname supplied and then added, his velvet voice causing Zero's blush to deepen as the pureblood also fixed him a contemplative, albeit quiet, regard, "And it's said that their blood hold immense power for vampires. So much so that the very few who emerged in the course of history became mere preys. It's true that they've not been heard of for hundreds of years. Though I have to wonder…" his gaze flew back to the three children still wrestling with each other as two fought to go to the hunter, If this is the case then could it be that…
"But I don't understand. Kiryuu has been a vampire for a long while now why has it not been known that he's a bride th–" one Aidou Hanabusa muttered loudly under his breath, remembering the time when Shizuka Hio came to school and he just had to find out the abominable hunter's secret, lost in his own contemplation the he did not realize he's speaking aloud, before looking up to find that he successfully got everyone's attention "-en, huh? What are you all lo-" his eyes widen in realization as he took in Zero's glare and felt his King's murderous aura, Oh, crap, I did it,he whimpered.
Another explosion of disbelief.
"Is that true, Hana?" Ruka barked at his blond cousin who's now very pale and refused to speak another word that might drive him deeper in the muck while Kain whistled, There goes my peaceful night, glancing at the now trembling blue-eyed vampire, he shook his head, We're in for it.
"Oh my!" quietly exclaimed the blond Vice-President in surprise. He knew that there's something about the hunter but he did not think that it's this.
"Enough." Kaname again silenced the room, internally seething at his blond follower's carelessness. The situation, however, is irreversible. He again awarded the trembling blond a stern look promising retribution before going back to the now quiet children. Sato was still holding on to his siblings' clothes even as they stopped their struggle and stood watching their adults go in and out of shock, his brows still arranged in a worried frown as he tries to measure the amount of damage that was done with their arrival.
"Satoshi-kun."
The little brunette immediately turned to him.
"As was said, it's been a while since Kiryuu became a vampire; if he's a bride then the signs should have presented itself a long time ago, once he finished turning even. Is he, or rather, are they…?"
"A Kakusa Hanayome? Yes, Chichiue." quipped the young heir.
"Ah." Kaname muttered in understanding.
"A concealed bride." translated the, again, distracted blue-eyed genius, once more in the middle of his internal assessment.
"What. the. fucking. hell. is. that?" snapped the young flushed hunter still glaring into the pureblood's eyes after furiously glowering at the loose-lipped blond vampire. This night couldn't get any worse. Fuck this!
This renewed the struggle of the three children as the younger two instinctively wanted to soothe and re-assure their Otou-sama ("He already knows us, Sato, so geroff!").
It was the headmaster who again volunteered the information. "Brides have incredibly alluring scents, making them like a dish served on the table. It's very powerful, especially to the one it's designed for – but therein lays the problem, since it's attracting everyone." Kaien again explained; pre-occupied at what this all means for his sons. "They say that it even affects humans. But that means that there are those who wouldn't think twice about rap-" he stopped dead at the remembrance of children in the room and then just hastily added in his usually goofy tone, "Ah, anyway, you know what I mean. It's just that everything about them seduces the senses. Ah, but a Kakusa Hanayome means that you have the instinctual drive to hide your scent and essence to ward off and mislead such potential attackers and is powerful enough to do so. There! Good for you two! haha" he awkwardly finished as the air became tight in the room.
"That's because Otou-sama and uncle are more special than special!" Hime piped in proudly as she tried to gracefully elbow her older brother into releasing her.
But the compliment was lost on the two light haired teenagers as they stared almost unseeingly now at the ash-blond head of their guardian. Kaien finally allowed himself to turn around and take a look at two of his wards and sighed as he beheld the two silverettes, one tomato red while the other one very pale. The irony of it, the treasure that the vampire society is searching for is here all along, killing and cursing them.
Zero felt that his life just took a most unpleasant turn. When he woke up that morning he did not realize that this is the day that his entire life would change and so fast, too, that he feels that someone just pulled the rug from under his feet. He's not sure what he's feeling anymore. He's just been told that he's a walking temptress to this bunch of demons that he's been trained to kill all his life and, what was that? He's designed for this life? He palmed his face with one hand, What a clusterfuck.
Already, he could feel several eyes turned to them as if they just found salmon in a bucket they initially thought contained sardines. He grimaced through the blush he knows is still plastered on his face. God, just let the world end now.
"Hell." Was all Ichiru could mutter, still shaken, though coming out of his shock enough to finally blush at the connotation of all this for them both, bottom, huh.
They both groaned.
"Um, well I believe that certainly explains how conceiving could be possible," Sato cut in the heavy atmosphere and added, "What else would you like to know?"
That jolted Kaien from his reverie as he took in the chance to ask, "Can you first tell us to what specific order you fall under? Are you vampire or hunter? Because I can't honestly determine." The Chairman inquired benevolently, opting to retain some of his cheerful tone.
"Yes, Grandpa. We're actually of both and something more. We're full-blown vampires with hunter abilities and us siblings are even more advanced because of Otou-sama's blood," was the complying reply from Sato, thankful for his help in furthering the explanation and deflating the uncomfortable atmosphere, "Being a bride is like a blank canvass so we were able to retain Chichiue's pure blood but not only that, much like an amplifier and enhancer, Otou-sama's blood was able to keep Chichiue's blood purified while blending in his own hunter's trait and empowering it. An offspring from a vampire and a hunter is already considered powerful though it's just as rare, but between the union of a pureblood and a hunter who's a bride, you can only imagine. And it is true that children from a male bride are even more powerful and resilient than from females."
Everyone recognized the compelling result of such dynamic mix and a lot of them expressed the amazement at this in excited murmur.
"And what do they call you? Even a child of a vampire and hunter is considered as nothing more but an aberration and totally reprehensible no matter how powerful." Ruka couldn't help asking viciously, not quite escaping the severe frown she got from her beloved pureblood and the unconscious glare from the silver-haired ex-hunter. She shivered uncontrollably, instantly regretting her spiteful retort.
"Ruka." Her two cousins squeaked a warning to her silently as they felt the displeasure of their King at her crudeness to his children.
The three pairs of young sienna eyes, however, shared a look that clearly states that she's saying something she doesn't know anything about which made her uneasy. One of the twin boys looks like he's fighting a laugh while the female silverette got a complicated expression in her cherubic face.
"We're called many names, Ruka-bachan," the eldest of the trio still politely answered despite her coarse remark, "Cross-breed, mixed breed, half-breed, half-blood but no official term has been indicated." dark brown brows suddenly puckered in silent annoyance at such distasteful epithets.
"But Chichiue fondly calls us Heosphoros meaning 'dawn bringer' in reference to the morning star Venus since it mostly shines in twilight – half of day and night! Isn't that just the sweetest thought!" Hime rather hastily diverted the attention as she felt her brother's chagrin at the remembrance of some displeasing encounters that made them feel like such alien creatures. This, of course, made them all indignant especially since they love what they are and where they came from. And they're parents are equally vexed when such unwelcome episodes occur.
She then gave her dark-haired father a genuine smile in comforted gratitude for such loving parents.
Kaname immediately understood the situation and was grim at the prospect that his children will ever face any aggravating situations regarding of what they are.
"I do love how Chichiue calls us!" continued Hime in a sweet voice.
"Heh, all those people are just idiots who are jealous of what we are. Chichiue said that we're the most powerful creatures in existence." Added Hiro contemptuously, sharing his brother's sentiments on the matter.
"What kind of power? Are you stronger than any pureblood or noble?" Ichiru curiously asked, finally recovering enough now that the conversation is far from their extraordinary state.
They already know that these kids' auras are the genuine article that simply spells death to enemies but he wants to know if there is something beyond those terrifyingly huge forces inside.
"Of course!" Hiro excitedly exclaimed as he was finally freed by his brother. "For one, we can wield anti-vampire weapons!"
And, as if to prove his point, he proceeded to show them his hands where a pair of long swords materialized out of nowhere that had everyone gasping in surprise, filling the room again with vivid sounds. The little brunette enthusiastically released the two claymores from their elaborate black sheaths that have the Kuran insignia on one and something resembling Zero's tattoo on the other. Their black and silver twin blades of three feet long seemingly too long and heavy for a boy of six. The weapons, from their sharp tip and double-edged blade to their black hand-grip and guard sent out a deadly warning to every vampire that had most of the night class backing up against the walls of the room.
"Taadaah!" the grinning boy held them out proudly, "Mayonaka beradon'na! She's a beauty, eh?" He then brought it to the chairman as he's nearer but gave an appealing look at his Otou-sama as if waiting for a sign of approval from him.
"Midnight Belladonna, huh." The chairman held it for closer inspection, amazement in his voice, "They have an overwhelming amount of energy. They don't burn you?" the blond ex-hunter glanced at the boys smooth palms, "Why are there two?" he added, weighing the swords in his hands. They're really heavy.
"My fighting style includes more dual-wielding than two-handed single sword style, Grandpa." offered Hiro, still darting looks towards his Otou-sama every few words, "This gives me more flexibility since I can choose between the two styles while I'm still…well…um, not too tall." He finished rather dejectedly, looking away from his Otou-sama and grandpa.
"Really now, Hiro-nii, don't get hurt by your own words. No one asked you to call yourself a midget." Lightly scolded Hime with a smile to which her brother only complained that no one said anything about being a midget that made some of their spectator chuckle.
"But where did you pull them from?" Kaien queried again, overflowing with curiosity, effectively breaking the two's lively banter.
The boy swiftly turned his attention back to the chairman, "Eh? Ah! They're part of our body, so they're beneath our skin!"
The headmaster looked bewildered at this and all the more confused.
"The weapons themselves are made from our own blood. When we turned three years old in vampire years, Chichiue helped us in making them. Being such that they came from us, they can merge back in our body as a form of storage." Interjected Sato for an explanation, he also held out his hands to conjure a pair of sleek black guns before letting it sink back to his skin, "We can also take them in a form of accessory as a sort of catalyst so long as they stay in contact with our skin." He then raised his now empty hand to show a simple black ring around his right middle finger.
Ichiru whistled, impressed. "That's convenient."
The eldest brunette smiled, "You often said so, uncle."
"And were you born with other abilities?" Ichijou inquired this time, peering over the little shoulder of his King's younger son at the weapon in the Headmaster's hands though not trusting himself to move forward to check it out closely. Those look like they can really hurt.
"Un!" came the positive answer from the overzealous twin.
"But it is not really advisable to have it demonstrated as it would no doubt cause a lot of destruction." The eldest hastily added, looking reprovingly at his brunette twin.
This earned a raised eye brow from Kaname as he became curious what powers his children from the future wield.
They heard a dainty giggle and their attention was diverted by the smiling princess who helpfully supplied, "I'm afraid that their definitive powers are barbaric in the face of this room, Chichiue, no matter how highly convenient it is while hunting. But perhaps I could be of assistance as I have an ability that is of a more docile nature." She ignored the scoff that came from her Hiro-nii following this statement and made a move to the side of the room where there isn't any spectator. A yard away from the wall, she raised her right arm, trailing silk sleeves swaying at the movement and with a small unconcerned smile and no hint of how she did it, she made a huge hole on the wall, large enough for everyone to have a good view of the woods and dark skies outside.
This had everyone standing up as another collective gasped escaped them all. And, as quickly as it appeared, the wall replaced itself as though there wasn't any gapping window in it a moment before.
"W-w-wha- H-h-how-?" Aidou stammered, his wide eyes on the solid wall before flying back to the little lady looking at them very innocently.
"I have spatial and time manipulation Hana-jichan. You explained it to me yourself." She smiled kindly at him, "I can control time and space, though not enough to time travel…for now." She added genially. "But it's easy for me to control the time of any object or person or turn them back as I see fit...well, at least that's how it should have been…" her gentle tone turned a bit despondent for some reason as she cast her eyes on the floor, she added a bit distractedly, "It is possible though that I have more grasp in creating dimensions than I do with controlling time."
"Which comes in handy when we want to sneak out." Snickered Hiro rather forcefully, an obvious attempt to divert his twin sister. Crap, Hime's not looking good.
He was successful as Hime blushed at this as she glanced at Kaname and Zero, "T-that's because he really, really wants to! It's not by specific design!"
"Hai, hai Hime. Ignore Hiro. He lost his chance to show-off so forgive him. I am sure that no one is in any doubt that you are a very obedient child." Sato pacified his twin as he pat her shoulders in assurance, also wishing that she won't dwell on certain things too much, before he gently pulled her towards their imp of a brother, towing him as well with his other hand and finally going to Kaname and stopping some feet away from him. There's a look of pure conviction in his eyes and Kaname anticipated what his eldest had to tell him. He seated himself again as the young vampire spoke, his tone grave and serious and in complete contrast to his boyish and youthful voice.
"I am sure that we still come as highly suspicious in everyone's eyes, Chichiue, but we are willing to give as much proof as you require in order to verify that our claim is real and it is not lost to anyone present that we have, so far, provided evidence to our testimony. We came from the future under a certain mission and we ask for your kind consideration in allowing us a place to stay."
Everyone intently listened as they felt the air in the room reflected the agitation of their guests.
"And what is this mission that would make you travel so far?" Kaname answered the child in kind as he stared intently on the dark depths of each pair of sienna eyes.
Sato didn't answer immediately but not from any hesitation of revealing their task but rather, as Kaname can see, from the distress and agony of remembering what forced them to temporarily venture away from home. Hime raised her other hand not imprisoned by her brother to give him a soothing pat on his shoulder. He slightly turned his head and nodded at her before continuing.
"We came to look for a cure."
"A cure?" Ichijou asked quietly in the silence of the room.
Kaname's mind raced as he thought about this and the children's behavior upon arrival; the disturbed and unattended auras, Hime's reaction consequent to seeing the silver-haired hunter and her sad expression looking at him, "Did something happen to your parents in the future? To Zero?" the pureblooded King concluded, unaware that he used the hunter's first name.
The three youngsters stiffened at the accuracy of this as did Zero but, of course, it has nothing to do with hearing the pureblood call his given name so familiarly.
When their visitors bowed their heads at this in confirmation, something gripped Kaname's heart rather painfully at the thought that had him looking across the room to where the said hunter stood as if to reassure himself that he's currently safe. When he realized what he's doing, he shook his head mentally, what is he doing?He turned back to the children, "Tell me." He said gently.
"….."
"…."
Sato hesitated a moment before finally sighing, "…it might be better if I show you."
There was a murmur all around the room at this remark. "How will he do that?" someone from the Night Class whispered to the person beside them loudly.
The young heir who lowered his eyes earlier in turmoil finally lifted them to meet the king's and everyone present was silenced as power emanated from the young brunette with glowing ruby eyes. "I'm afraid I cannot show my memories to everyone here due to the limited power I have left from the time spell, but I can show it to some, especially those principally involved."
And without further ado, Kaname, Zero, and the members of their inner circle were thrown into a world of hazy pictures as if watching movie cut scenes in silent, rapid succession. But though the wordless images were flying too fast for detailed scrutiny, information regarding the terrible event flowed in their minds.
Human disappearances. A fight between the royal couple. Zero going missing. A frighteningly angry Kaname. A storm. The search. Finally, the King stepping into a large reception area, dripping wet and carrying an unconscious figure of a certain silver hunter. The trembling pair of small hands that held on to the pale one of the hunter's. The blurred image of Hime and Hiro's crying faces and of another two dark-haired angels. Several pale faces that are both familiar and new; of Yuuki, Ichiru, Takuma, Aidou, Kaien along with several hunters, vampires and children, all confused and angry. And of Kaname whose eyes didn't waver from looking at the senseless silverette, his red wine eyes in quiet turmoil filled with a hundred unspeakable things while cradling the beautiful silver creature in such a soft, tender fashion, as if he's all his eyes can see. The scenery then changed to a large four poster bed where the ex-human slumbers while being watched over by the young vampire king in a dark room where the blaring fire in a hearth is the only light.
And just like that, they all felt as if they were being pulled back into reality but not before seeing some other pieces that doesn't make sense and is obviously of no relation to the current plight; of mountains of books in a large library, a beautiful garden in the middle of spring, of luscious cakes and teas being served, of laughter and smiles from several faces where satisfaction reigned, of Kaname speaking with a very light smile while reading an article as if commenting on a piece of homework, of Zero's quietly smiling face while putting down a platter of food, of a couple standing close in the veranda while waiting for dawn, and of a peacefully sleeping Zero together with an equally unconscious, much younger version of what looked like Hiro or Sato in a large couch with Kaname draping a fluffy blanket over them and looking over at the intruder with tender, quiet eyes and smile and an index finger lightly pressing against his lips as a sign that they should be silent.
Those who were hurled into the overwhelming pool of memories gasped when they finally felt their own body and their eyes focused into the reality before them.
"The hell was that?" one Akatsuki Kain sputtered weakly amongst the strangled gasp from his two cousins.
"W-well…um…that was…" Ichijou confusedly uttered, catching his breath, while looking at Kaname, Zero and then, finally, at an even paler female guardian.
Rima and Seiren, together with Shiki, contemplatively gazed upon their king with a very slight look of surprise in their normally impassive expressions. A same look was in the Chairman's hazel orbs as he looked at the children with a great mix of thoughtful compassion.
Zero felt numb all over as his mind tries to manage all the information he was given, not at all able to shake the image of his own genuine smile and hurtless eyes. Is that even fucking possible?
He was even unaware of the hold his younger twin has on his arm as Ichiru strove to balance himself and conform himself with the future he saw for his nii-san.
Kaname's auburn gaze quietly took in the sad red wine orbs of his children before meeting the unsettled lavender ones of his future mate. His entire being internally trembling in silent reflection at all that he had seen; the good and the bad and the astounding feeling that enveloped each images. Their scrutiny held for quite a while before Zero broke the connection and looked away while gritting his teeth.
The pureblood turned his attention back to the little darlings before him, "It must have been hard for you. I'm sorry to hear of the circumstances." He whispered for them gently.
"…it was awful…when they found him at last after almost a week of searching, otou-sama's almost not b-breathing…I thought Chichiue would go insane…" answered Hiro but faltering as well, remembering that day so well he's reeling.
"…t-they said he got hit by a kind of spell that was meant to kill…Normally, nothing works against Chichiue and Otou-sama since they're strong like us…they said that the human disappearances was for this…that someone has a deep grudge for the Royal family…"
"They were human sacrifices." Ichijou breathed. Even amongst their kind, that kind of thing was taboo. Who in the world would dare…?
Kaname couldn't help feeling disgust and fierce anger towards the culprits.
"We believe that it's because of the nature of Chichiue's and Otou-sama's bond but, fortunately, Otou-sama did not d-die. But he hasn't woken yet, the spell that was sent to kill him became a mark of death hovering over him, instead. Chichiue had to stay with him all the time to make sure that it won't crawl to his heart and completely…kill…him…"
"It's been a month…" Hime squeaked, her eyes full of tears.
The silence became suffocating before Sato continued.
"Chichiue already had everyone check for a solution and also had the matter investigated and searched for the culprit. But we learned that the one thing that could help no longer exists in that time frame. We carefully studied our options and course of action and that's how we came to stand before you today." The three bowed low in front of the pureblood, "Please allow us to stay; we just need to complete a tracking spell to retrieve it. We beg of you."
There is something painfully knotting Kaname's insides together as he looked at the three heads humbly asking for his permission. He met with the Chairman's sympathetic eyes and Kaien nodded kindly at the vampire to go ahead, Kaname gave a small and brief answering smile before returning to his children.
"Of course, you may stay. I will provide any assistance that you would require of me. But I must know, is your father aware where you'd gone?"
The three quiet sighs of relief became visible flinches as all three slowly straightened to peek at him.
"We are willing to take all and any punishments that you'll give once we return." was the unpretentious reply.
"Ah, then, that will be remembered." And he couldn't help beckoning them forwards. They eagerly complied and drew closer to him, with Hime taking the center this time and placing her small palms on his kneecaps which, unbeknownst to him, is what she usually does. "I do admire the sentiments that brought you here, though I fear that you have made it unnecessarily difficult for yourselves by coming here unattended by the adults. Couldn't you have asked for help?" he reached out a hand to touch the soft cheek of his daughter. Even without the memories shown, somewhere inside him, he knows it to be absolutely true.
"We understand Chichiue, but I'm afraid there really isn't much time to convince the adults of our suit, we knew they won't let us travel in time as it is a concept only made possible by the immense power we have. And we got the assurance that we need that it'll work even with just us." She replied, smiling with what cheerfulness she has left through her unshed tears, her small hand touching the one on her cheek.
"And whose assurance was it?" he smiled a little in reply.
Her small smile became meaningful as Sato explained for her, "Hime can see the future, Chichiue, and she saw that we'll be able to make it even with just us."
This made everyone murmur in awe as Kaname asked, a bit stunned, "You're clairvoyant?"
But she shook her head a little, "I am merely pre-cognitive, Chichiue, I can only see the consequences of my actions and of those around me and, perhaps, a bit of the immediate future, be it planned or not, that would surely become reality. But clairvoyance, which also touch those that are merely possibilities and might not come to pass at all are not in my realm. And, sometimes, my ability does not warn me fast enough especially if it concerns split-second decisions."
"Meaning it's still possible to take her by surprise!" Supplied Hiro who, after relaxing a little at their Chichiue's acceptance, strove to dispel the dark air in the room, trying to forget the unwanted memories of the past weeks and, instead, now remembering the times he was able to make his twin cry from shocked fright.
She aided him, "Why, of course! If you're willing to suffer the repercussions." She smiled again slightly, remembering the times she beat him up good for it.
This successfully earned them another smile from Kaname and even a chuckle from Ichijou.
The whole Night class stared in electrified silence as they observe their King bathed in a blissful atmosphere while talking to a miniature variant of that hateful hunter. And said girl also gave them an uncalled for insight of how the detestable hunter looks if he smiled which made some of them squirm in their seats.
But said hunter was feeling very out of his depth as he observed everything that transpired and feeling like he's being forced to partake in a more than dramatic drama that the Chairman and Yuuki love to watch (usually dragging him and Ichiru to watch as well as part of their family time, they said). Though he must admit that he understands why Yuuki is wiping her eyes with her hanky at the moment. He was certainly not unaffected by the story of the three, especially, with the vision the young brunette showed them. He closed his eyes. No matter how unbelievable the story and claims of the three young vampires so far, he can't find it in him to think that they've been lying. They're just oozing with genuine earnestness. But he can't fucking accept it all, not yet. He knows for a fact that not everyone gets visited by their future, literally, and tells them 'Hey, this is what you will be in the future! Congratulations!' so he's not exactly being unreasonable. Perhaps, given time, he can face all this without wincing.
He sighed and opened his eyes and almost yelped at coming face to face with his future much too soon and in close proximity at that as the young face of the vampire king peered at him, no, wait, it's one of the brats, his son. Zero grimaced a little at the recollection of that inconceivable fact as he tried to remember who it is; it seems that the male twins are identical down to the last mole…hmm…dark blue coat. "Satoshi, right?"
The brilliant answering smile told him that he got it right, he felt relieved at that for no reason at all. "Ah, d'you need something from me?"
"I wouldn't dream of troubling you, Otou-sama, when we've burdened you too much already. I just worry at how you shall take in all this; I understand that they are preposterous for you. I'm just wondering at how I can assist you getting a better grasp of the reality of things." The eldest politely replied before adding, "And I would like to inquire about your health. You seem to be fatigued. Have you eaten? Must you retire already? I'm afraid that I cannot fully comprehend how your body clock works currently as you are very much awake during the night in my time, but your uniform would suggest that you still follow the day class schedule. We fully understand if you cannot stay for much longer. But, perhaps, we can see you some other time?"
Zero stared at him, trying to ignore what his other statement means (Damn if he will transfer to the Night Class at any point) and fully realizing that the young child, for all his eloquent and serious manner was really just a young boy inside, vulnerable and frightened at being left behind. Seeing him standing with his eyes open must be a delight for them after a month of seeing his counterpart unmoving in the death bed. He felt for them, he's been through a similar situation after all, and he can only imagine the torment they must be going through now.
He capitulated.
He reached out and touched the crown of those brown locks before ruffling them, leaning a little towards the young boy and looking at his burgundy orbs, "I'm fine. Just give me time to get used to the idea."
Sienna eyes never left him, as if drinking the sight of him, he felt his throat constrict a little at the sadness in them.
"Uwah! Sato! Not fair! Otou-sama, me, too! Me, too!"
That was the eager voice that reverberated around the room before Zero found himself almost knocked out as pale hands locked around his midriff and a brunette head buried itself against his stomach.
"Hiro! Don't tackle Otou-sama! What do you think you're doing?!"
"Hiro-nii, stop the boorish acts if you please! Let go of Otou-sama! Mou~! Otou-sama, are you all right?!"
The silverette saw his other two children try to disentangle the dangling brunette from his belly. But unrelenting hands stayed locked around him. "No! No! No! Hime got to do it, so it's my turn now!" the muffled justification of his personal koala can be heard through the protest of his siblings.
"Aw, nii-san, you're very much loved!"
Zero gave his brother a look which made him realized that everyone's eyes are on them already, from the Chairman's fawning look, Ichiru's smirk, Yuuki's bemused stare, Ichijou's indulgent smile, and a few impassive stares from some of the Night while the rest tried not to smile and, finally, to Kaname's warm regard. There's a hint of a smile in the King's expression that caused Zero's blush to come rushing back up with a vengeance, which was comically misunderstood by the children.
"Ah! Otou-sama's suffocating, you brute of a brother! Let go for Pete's sake, or so help me!" was the girlish shriek from his look-alike sporting a frantic expression that he's sure would never be painted on his own face.
"Eh?!" his captor immediately released him, looking at him with a worried expression, remorse filling burgundy eyes at the first sight of his discomfort. "O-otou-sama, are you alright? I'm sorry!"
Zero fought to cool down his cheeks while looking at the three angelic faces surrounding him. He cleared his throat before giving them half a smile, "I'm alright, you br—ah, kids. But I guess it is late so we'll be going, classes tomorrow and all." He coughed lightly, wanting nothing more than to escape the vision of a certain pureblooded vampire. He threw a pointed look at his guardian who still looked like a dreamy teenage girl seeing his crush with palms cupping his cheeks; hazel orbs met his narrowed eyes blankly for a few slow seconds before comprehending his intent.
"Eeh~? We're going already? We could stay for a few more minutes! Perhaps the little darlings have more to say! And I haven't even gotten to hug them!" was the whinny reply that the hunter got, "And I have one last question I'm just dying to ask them!"
His meaningful glance became a scowl as he snarled at the chairman, "Ask it then so we can go."
"Very well then!" the poor excuse of an adult cheerfully consented as he turned his youthful smiling face at the awaiting children as he placed an index finger on his cheek in a would-be-cute manner, "Eh, my little cupcakes, can you tell grandpa how you were born? Did you come out of my son's as—"
The blond ex-hunter did not finish the question as a palm smoldered his face to silence him as the scowling (and furiously blushing) Zero looked at him promising a world of pain, while a grim (and also furiously blushing) Ichiru gave him an unrelenting smack at the top of his blond head.
"Stupid Chairman." muttered Ichiru. He wouldn't mind asking that (since he's also curious), if only it didn't involve him somewhat as well.
The three cherubs blinked up at them for a few seconds before Hiro perked up and obligingly opened his mouth to answer, "Ah, if you're wondering about that Grandpa, it's by—"
"No! Don't! Too much information!" hurriedly begged Zero, still not releasing his guardian, whose protests are muffled by his hand.
Three pairs of hands immediately covered the willing informant's mouth (even said informant's own) in instantaneous adherence to their treasured Otou-sama's wishes.
A relieved sigh escaped the silver twins as they narrowly avoided further embarrassment and proceeded to dragging their mortifying guardian, who's taking turns flailing his arms and holding on to the hand that's imprisoning his face for balance so that he won't fall on his ass, out of the room with Zero's palm still firmly planted on his face and Ichiru holding him by the arm, followed by the still bemused Yuuki and the three children.
Kaname also gave a sigh of his own as he stood up to follow the retreating band to see them out safely. It seems that the evening of revelations has come to a close and he's not sure that he's willing to have it so, just yet. He found himself enjoying the sight of the hunter with his children, too much even. And he wanted to witness more. But as he see the resolute back of the silver hunter as he eagerly drag the blond ex-hunter out of the vampires' dwelling, he knows that he must let it go for now. Instead, he leaned on the frame of the sturdy front doors of the Moon dorms as he called out in a sinfully silky voice,
"We'll have that talk some other time then, Zero." He put a stress on the Hunter's name, finding it sliding smoothly from his lips.
He heard the hunter huff in annoyance and could almost visualize another blush spreading from those pale cheeks, he chuckled at the thought.
He then turned his tender attention to the little angels beside him who also looked at him at the same time from forlornly staring after the said hunter, looking very much inclined to follow after him.
He smiled warmly at them, finding it an easy task around the children, "Don't look like that. You will see him again, I promise. Shall we have you retire for the night? I recall you said that you haven't had any sleep yet. I shall have someone prepare a room for you, as well as food, a hot bath and that hot chocolate for you three."
When three grateful pairs of sienna eyes beamed up at him, he felt an ardent feeling suffuse him. He herded his children back to the common room to ask someone to fetch a maid and assist them, closing the door of the dorms behind him with his mind as he did so, noting that the night sky outside looked especially beautiful and clear tonight.
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Whew, there! Again, apologies if the length is too much! Especially since it's because of details that others can do without. ｍ(｡≧Д≦｡)ｍ
To my guest, The Reader, I thank you for the review. I completely understand that the honorifics can be quite confusing and I'll try my best to minimize it or be consistent on the honorifics I use for one character so as to not make it too perplexing. I'm afraid, I can't drop it altogether. Since this is a manga/anime fic, I want to use the honorifics to retain a little bit of the Japanese feel. But I'll really try to make it more simple~! Thank you again!
To PurelyAveeno45y, Cateye6, Babya and Tee, I thank you for taking the time to comment! I really wish I don't disappoint you guys too much.
Again, please feel free to let me know if there's anything lacking in the story (I know there's a lot).
If you can still follow where this is going, see you for next chapter!